Man shot dead by Sarasota Police Officers

SARASOTA, FLA. - An armed man was shot dead by two police officers in a Sarasota park Sunday night.

The shooting occurred at North Water Tower Park in the 1000 Block of 42st Street in Sarasota.

Sarasota Police spokesperson Genevieve Judge says the two police officers were patrolling the park on their bicycles around 10pm. They were walking in the North Trail area when they encountered an individual in the park. After talking to the man for a short period of time the individual pulled out a gun and pointed it at both officers.

Both officers asked the man to put the weapon down multiple times, but the man refused to stop pointing the weapon at them. Judge says the officers fired on the individual to protect themselves.

Both officers have been placed on administrative leave, which is routine when an officer involved shooting is under investigation.

EMS tried to revive the individual on scene but were unsuccessful and the man died on scene.

Police Chief Bernadaette DiPino was on scene Sunday night. Bureau of Criminal Investigations also responded to the scene and will remain on scene from Sunday night through Monday morning collecting evidence for their investigation into this shooting.

The name of the individual and the names of the officers are being withheld at this time.